A temporary lorry ban in a residential road in Coulsdon was so successful that Croydon Council is attempting to make it permanent.

A weight limit, banning goods vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes, was imposed in Sandown Road in June, 2007, to stop rat-running by heavy vehicles during the rebuilding of the Woodcote Grove railway bridge.

It was being used by drivers avoiding the busy Chipstead Valley Road/Lion Green Road junction.

The temporary order removed the risk of heavy goods vehicles causing personal injury, or damage to private property, and provided environmental benefits to the residents by removing noisy, higher polluting vehicles from the area.

Now, residents are being asked for their views on making the ban permanent.

Councillor Phil Thomas, cabinet member for highways, said: "Residents of Sandown Road have enjoyed not having to worry about these juggernauts rumbling past their houses - and all the attendant hazards and health implications - and it’s only right they should be allowed to continue to enjoy that situation.

"If they let us know that's what they want, we’ll do what we can to bring it about."

Anybody wishing to object to the proposed order has until February 16 to do so.